DESTRUCTIVE FIRE

Evening Star, Issue 14002, 8 March 1909, Page 4

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE

AT PALMERSTGN SOUTH.

IMPORTANT BLOCK DESTROYED,

IFaoii Odb Own Coebbsmndbni.] %

One of the most disastrous fires that has ever occurred at Palmerston began "terly on Sunday morning in the block of buildings adjoining the raflway station. The block is in the shape of a wedge, with the point facing the station, and the middle portion of this wedge, consisting of five shops and offices, was totally destroyed. On the side of the wedge facing Ronaldsy street and the Main street was a large two-storeyed building where Mr J. H. Appleby carried on business as a bookseller and photographer. - Alongside it were a bakery and refreshment rooms, occupied by Mr E. L. Birt. On the opposite side of the wedge, facing the railway station, were the offices occupied by Mr J. Crisp, solicitor, Mr W. J. Lory, agent for Dalgety and Co., and Mr Horace Hill, Government Stock Inspector. The three buildings at the extreme point of the wedge escaped—viz., the offices of Mr J. Arkle and Mr T. A. B. Bailey, solicitor, and a Chinese fruit shop. The origin of the fire is a mystery. It seems to have broken out in the upstairs room used by Mr Applegarth as a studio. Ine alarm was given a little after midnight by Mrs Pickett, who lives on the opposite side of the street. The flames had then only a slight hold, and had there been a good supply of water the fire might have been confined to the upper storey of Applegarth's shop. Unfortunately, owing to the lowness of the reservoir, the water supply was cut off, and there was a delay o. about an hour before a supply was available. Even then the pressure was not sufficient to raise the water to the height of the walls, and the firemen had to employ ladders.

In these circumstances little could be done to put out the flames, and all efforts were directed to saving the adjoining buldings and removing tho contents of the shops and offices. There was no wind; and the flames spread slowly amonc the brick buildings. Mr Birt removed his flour to a place cf safety, and the occupants of the offices had time to remove their effects. Mr Appleby lost all his stock of photographic goods, fancy goods, and musical instruments, with the exception of an organ and a piano. A sum of money left, in bi till was also destroyed. Mr Appleby's premises were owned by i\lrs Martin, of Wellington, and were insured for £6OO in the National fcumrance Company. His stock was insured for £370 in the New Zealand insurance Company. Mr Birt's premises were owned by Mr James Arkle, of Dunedin, and were insured for £3OO in the National Insurance Company. His stock was insured for £215 in the Victoria Insurance Company. The total losses will exceed £2,000.